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JTV Price: $19.95

Clearance Price: $9.99
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What is StretchPay™?

Owning more of the amazing jewelry and gemstones you love is easier with JTV’s Stretch Pay™, our flexible payment program that lets you spread the cost of your purchase over two, three or four payments at no additional charge!

When you’re shopping online, any participating product will show the StretchPay™ logo or graphic on the product detail pages and in your shopping cart. If you’re shopping through our broadcast, our show hosts will indicate which items are eligible, and you’ll see a StretchPay™ logo or graphic displayed with the item.

When purchasing with StretchPay™ we will charge your method of payment for the first installment on the day your item ships. Any additional installment(s) will be charged every 30 days thereafter until the price of the item is paid in full.

The first installment will include the product price divided by the number of installments. Shipping and handling, applicable taxes and all services (such as Jewel Safe™ warranties, appraisals and sizing) are added to the first installment. Because of this, your first installment will always be higher than any subsequent installment(s).

Accepted methods of payment include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card and the JTV Preferred Account.

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Product Description

The French Blue tells the true-to-life story of Jean Baptiste Tavernier a 17th century gem merchant. Follow him as his lifelong dream leads him to the fabulous 116 carat great blue diamond. Today the stone is known as The Hope Diamond and is housed in the National Gem Collection at the Smithsonian , but for the first 250 years of its history, it was known simply as the French Blue.

Customer Reviews

Big StoryI am still reading this book, which I started as soon as I received it last week. It is a fascinating bit of history and not as straightforward a story as one might expect. It makes one look at gems and jewelry a bit differently. This is a book to be savored and enjoyed. August 25, 2014

pamme51

from Sun City AZ

Age: 60-69

Purchased as a gift: No, it is not a gift.

Gender: Female

Value:

Quality:

Very easy readFor non-lapidary/gem collectors, this would be an interesting historical novel. As a lapidary AND gem collector I find the info about how gems were collected, cut, traded, etc. during this period to be fascinating, along with the travel observations of the period. The fact that this is a TRUE STORY and many historical figures were known to Tavernier is a real bonus. He knew Richelieu! The only complaint I have is the narrative sometimes jumps from one item to something completely different without any transition. But definitely worth the effort. January 19, 2013

Karen12

from Kingwood, TX

Age: 60-69

Purchased as a gift: No, it is not a gift.

Gender: Female

Value:

Quality:

When is the next book?????I am a big reader & gemstone fan.....what a wonderful book to mix my favorite, an adventure, with gemstones!!!!!! Would love to see more books like this one. Great for anyone who loves to read. August 19, 2012

Samsmom723

from Richardson, TX, USA

Age: 60-69

Purchased as a gift: No, it is not a gift.

Gender: Female

Value:

Quality:

A beautiful, thick book.I just received this a couple of days ago, so I haven't gotten into it yet, but it looks very interesting. Lots of history. I will admit that I had hoped there would be colored pictures of the diamond, but guess not. I am looking forward to reading the history of this famous gemstone. August 12, 2012

Gem23girl

from Florida

Gender: Female

Value:

Quality:

What a story!I have been jumping back and forth thru this book and I'm captivated by it. I wil sit down and read it from beginning to end while lounging at the sea shore making sure the waves roll in and out this summer. It will be a very pleasent and informative read. August 12, 2012

Starynite

from Chesterfield, Va

Age: 50-59

Gender: Male

Value:

Quality:

Fantastic read!I just finished this book. It is exciting and when you've finished it you feel like you truly went back in a time machine. All I can say is I'm thankful to God to be born in this century. I would recommend this book to anyone, not boring at any time. August 12, 2012

MissNRA1

from NW Arkansas

Age: 50-59

Purchased as a gift: No, it is not a gift.

Gender: Female

Value:

Quality:

A Tavernier Tale!This true life story of one of the greatest gem collectors the world has ever known is a remarkable story of adventure in a time so long ago....Richard Wise leaves us turning the pages in anticipation of the next exotic city. August 12, 2012

KINDY

from Unknown

Value:

Quality:

My giftI am in charge of purchasing all the Christmas presents in my family, even for myself. I can't wait to open my gifts, as this will be one of them. My only problem will be waiting until Christmas. September 17, 2012

Can't wait to finish this bookJust scanning the pages and reading bits and pieces wets my appatite to stop here and get lost in the pages of this book. I want to thank Richard W.Wise for writing this book for the world to read and, if anyone is like me while reading a really good book; feel like I am there watching the fascinating history of the Hope Diamond unfold. Thank you JTV for another great buy. July 17, 2012